For the first time, the Fresno State Winery will feature a two-year vertical tasting of one of its most popular Italian varietals, Sangiovese, at the Vino Italiano! celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 17.
The annual spring event will be held at the winery, 2360 E. Barstow Ave. It is presented by the winery, the Enology Society and the Viticulture and Enology Department.
“Vertical wine tasting is when wines that are the same varietal – made by the same winery, but from different vintage years – are tasted side by side,” said winemaker John Giannini. “It’s a great way to experience how the growing conditions from one year to the next can change the way a wine tastes.”
Vino Italiano! provides the community the opportunity to taste new wines in advance of public release.
Also highlighted at the event will be the popular 2006 San Joaquin County Barbera – Duarte Vineyards, and the 2007 Fresno County Muscat Canelli – Fresno State Vineyards.
Admission is $15 per person, which includes a commemorative Fresno State Winery wine glass and plate, five tastes of wine, and appetizers provided by Sam’s Italian Deli. A $5 discount is available to Fresno State Wine Club members, faculty, staff, students and Alumni Association members.
Admission is payable at the door by cash or check. Individuals must be at least 21 years old to attend. For more information, contact Jessup Wiley, winery marketing manager, at 559.278.4867 or
jwiley@csufresno.edu.
BACKGROUND
The Fresno State Winery is the first university winery in the United States with a license to produce and sell wine commercially (1997).
Under the direction of the university’s winemaster and winemaker, students produce numerous varieties, many of which have received prestigious awards at international and national wine competitions. Fresno State Wines can be purchased at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market, several retail outlets and at local restaurants. Details: visit www.FresnoStateWinery.com. Proceeds from sales benefit College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology programs.
The Enology Society – independent of the university – is for individuals with an interest in the sensory evaluation of wine. Upper-level enology students and people on and off campus join the society each semester and participate in weekly educational wine tastings, some with guest winemakers. The Enology Society also helps support the student Enology Club, Fresno State Winery and Department of Viticulture and Enology activities by co-sponsoring such events as Le Vin Nouveau each November and Vino Italiano! in spring. Membership is $60 per semester or $8 per tasting.
